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Derek Dean

Contact Info

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Derek Dean

Education

University of Arkansas

B.S. in Agricultural and Life Sciences
Area of concentration: Horticulture

N/A

2019

Work Experience

Graduate Assistant

University of Arkansas

Fayetteville, Arkansas

Present - 2022

Research & Development Associate

80 Acres / Infinite Acres

Springdale, Arkansas

2022 – 2021

  • Created research trials for multiple varieties of tomato and cucumber plants in vertical farming (CEA) systems.
  • Created Lighting recipes with Signify lights and corresponding software for CEA systems.
  • Organized in depth data collection protocols for tomato and cucumber plants.
  • Mentored and trained multiple new hires.
  • Personally engineered new devices and systems used for cultivation.

Assistant Head Grower and IPM Manager

Mastronardi Produce (SUNSET)

Brush, Colorado

2021 - 2020

  • Developed strategic plans and goals for overall management and oversight of an 18.5-acre greenhouse. Plan, organize, lead and control the daily crop caring tasks.
  • Developed IPM strategies for pest and disease control. Monitor pests and manage bio control and bee pollination.

Research and Development Assistant

BOLD Cultivation

Cotton Plant, Arkansas

2020 - 2019

  • Developed and assisted with services to the cannabis industry in all facets, whether it be for medicinal cannabis product development, or industrial applications.

Assistant Greenhouse Manager

Nitron Industries

Johnson, Arkansas

2019 - 2018

  • Managed and operated two Quonset style greenhouses, maintaining and caring for all plants, planed optimal growing schedules, provided supervision over greenhouse workers, made decisions on organic fertilizer and potting mediums, assisted with soil sample diagnostics.

Skills and Certifications

N/A

N/A

N/A

  • Priva, Signify, grodan and CDMS Software
  • Q2000 Sonicator
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Analysis
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
  • Knowledge of and ability to create research trials for CEA systems
  • Ability to create and conduct diligent data collecting protocols
  • Well versed with micro-tomato varieties
  • Ability of training and teaching individuals or teams
  • Ability to perform physically demanding work
  • Floral Design
  • First Aid, CPR & AED Certified (National Safety Council)
  • Skill in the use and safe operations of grounds maintenance equipment such as tractors, skid-steer, riding mowers, forklift, trimmers, back hoes, power tools and hand tools.
  • Knowledge of techniques and practices for propagating, planting and maintaining, trees, shrubs, bedding plants and ground covers.
  • Knowledge, use and application of organic compounds including fertilizers, insecticides, herbicides and pesticides.

Teaching Experience

Plant Propagation HORT 5403

University of Arkansas

Spring Semester of 2023

Woody Landscape Plants HORT 3103

University of Arkansas

Fall Semester of 2022

Presentations

Evaluating Spinach Germplasm Resistance Against Oomycete Exposure in a Vertical Farming System

American Society for Horticultural Science

February 5, 2023

GWAS and Genomic Selection for Soybean Sucrose Content

University of Arkansas HORT 6033 Research Project

December 16, 2023

Arkansas Researchers Screen Spinach for Pathogen Resistance in Vertical Hydroponics

University of Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station Article

November 9, 2022

CBD & The Endocannabinoid System

University of Arkansas Student Presentation

December 11, 2019

References

  • Mr. Leo DeGroof, GM
    SUNSET Produce
    Brush, Colorado 80723
    970-842-3000
  • Dr. Gary McDonald
    University of Arkansas
    Clinical Assistant Professor
    479-575-8780
  • Dr. Wayne Mackay
    University of Arkansas
    Department Chair
    479-575-7319
  • Mr. David Litvin Infinite Acres
    Crop Specialist
    646-623-1680
  • Mr. Clint Morris Owner | Nitron Industries

    479-587-1777
  • Misty Drennon
    BOLD Cultivation, CEO
    501-539-1589

  • Mrs. Shannon Mason
    Colorado State University
    Floriculture